Journal of Buddhist Studies Chulalongkorn University

The Practice of Maṅggala Sutta 38 to Alleviate Mental Health Problems Rooted in Babyhood Deprivation

ชัยเยนทร์ รัตนวิจารณ์ — 2026-04-21

This research is a qualitative and quantitative study with the following objectives: 1) to examine the influence of a happy
babyhood as a result of having received ample maternal love and kindness on an adult person’s mental health; 2) to investigate if and how a deprivation of such happiness may lead to mental health problems in adulthood; 3) to show that the practice of Maṅggala sutta 38 in cases of mental health problems may help recall one’s early happiness from receiving maternal love and kindness, and may aid in solving some of these problems. The study was conducted in the rural area of Sakol Nakorn. The sample group consisted of 50 adults, of which 33 females and 15 males led simple lives, had no mental health problems, and had received ample maternal love and kindness in their babyhood. However, the study found 2 adult males with mental health and drug-addiction problems who reported having been deprived of maternal love and kindness in their babyhood. These two men were advised to practice the Maṅggala sutta 38 to recall and reimagine the maternal love and kindness in babyhood. After an intensive practice, both reported being drug-free for already one year.

The Buddha’s Methods of Psychotherapy

ชัยเยนทร์ รัตนวิจารณ์ — 2026-04-21

In its recent announcement, the World Health Organization has ranked mental disorders as the fourth most urgent health
problems globally. At the present time, modern psychiatry and sychotherapy
can provide effective methods of treatment for mental disorders, although mostly to improve the patients’ conditions. Radical
cures are rare, as the psychopathological roots of the disorders are usually unknown, thus making complete cures diffi cult to
achieve. Most patients continue to take daily doses of psychiatric medications for life, and occasional recurrences are expected.
This paper analyzes the Buddha’s method of treating, and completely curing, three different cases of mental disorders 2,600 years ago. They include Paṭ ācārā, Kisāgotami, and Āngulimāla. The analysis refers to the Abhidhamma, in particular to a
psychopathology used by the Buddha in his treatments of mental
disorders. The Buddha’s methods were entirely different from the
psychotherapy of today’s world. His approach was to transform the akusala citta, a state of mind buried deep in suffering, into kusala citta, a meritorious state of mind that brings satisfaction and
happiness. If the patient can maintain kusala citta like a normal person, she/he is radically cured.

The Relationship Between the Expression of Devotion in the Bhakti Śataka and the Nārada Bhakti Sūtra

Rachapon Sangsri — 2025-10-08

Bhakti Śataka is a Buddhist Sanskrit poetic composition authored by Rāma Candrabhāratī. The essence of this work lies in its profound expression of reverence and praise for the Buddha from various perspectives. A distinctive feature of this composition is its adaptation of the Hindu concept of Bhakti to the poetic delineation. This research article aims to explore the relationship between the expression of devotion in the Bhakti Śataka and the Bhakti concept in Hinduism. The research methodology is textual comparison between the Bhakti Śataka and the Nārada Bhakti Sūtra – a representative scripture on Hindu teachings and principles of Bhakti. The study is found that the Bhakti Śataka aligns significantly with the Nārada Bhakti Sūtra, particularly in terms of the modes of expressing devotion. However, a key difference is observed, that is, the Bhakti Śataka does not emphasize development of intimately close relationship and achievement of spiritual union with the Buddha, which is a central theme in the Nārada Bhakti Sūtra.

The Interpretation of Paṭirūpadesa in Contemporary Buddhist Sermons and Scriptures

Natthapol Inthanon — 2025-10-08

Patirūpadesavāsa, meaning "dwelling in a suitable country," is an important term from the Pali Tipiṭaka, with later commentarial explanations describing the characteristics of a country where people can prosper. This article examines the meaning of patirūpadesa in the Maṅgalavisésakathā, contemporary Buddhist sermons, and Thai texts explaining Buddhist teachings. Additionally, it explores different approaches to interpreting Buddhist teachings through an analysis of this term. The study identifies three main interpretative approaches to patirūpadesa: (1) those who strictly adhere to commentarial explanations, (2) those who follow the commentaries but supplement them with their own perspectives, and (3) those who provide independent interpretations. These three groups include both those that use Thailand as an example and those that do not, reflecting three distinct methods of explanation: commentary-based, non-commentary-based, and Thailand-based exemplification.

Although the commentarial tradition continues to influence interpretations of patirūpadesa due to its established role in Buddhist education, the Maṅgalavisésakathā by Prince Patriarch Vajirananavarorasa has significantly shaped later Thai-language interpretations of patirūpadesavāsa. His definition of patirūpadesa does not necessarily link it to the flourishing of Buddhism. Furthermore, his identification of Thailand as an example of patirūpadesa, with an analysis emphasizing the role of the monarchy in creating a suitable country, reflects nationalist and royalist perspectives in this interpretation.

Keywords: Paṭirūpadesa, Mangalavisésakathā, Interpretation

Bodhisattva and Past Buddhas in the Mūlasāsanā: Relationship with Literature and Diverse Buddhist Beliefs

พงษ์พัฒน์ จุลอักษร — 2025-11-26

Mūlasāsanā is a Lanna Buddhist history literature. The first part of the story contains content about Bodhisattvas and many past Buddhas. This content does not appear in the Pali Buddhist history literature of Sri Lanka. This research article therefore aims to study the Bodhisattvas and many past Buddhas by analyzing and comparing to see the relationship with other Buddhist literature and analyzing to see the relationship with Diverse Buddhist beliefs.

The results of the study found that Mūlasāsanā is related to the Pali literature of Sri Lanka, Sotatthaki Maha Nidana, which may have been influenced or shared the same concept with the Buddhist literature of Northern India. And the concept of Bodhisattvas and many past Buddhas is accepted as part of the history of Buddhism. These beliefs may have appeared in Sri Lankan Buddhist culture in Thailand since the Dvaravati period or may have been accepted through the Sri Lankan monks in Lanna.

A Critical Lens on Peace: Examining Conflict and Resistance in Indonesian Buddhist Studies

Jesada Buaban — 2025-11-04

This paper offers a critical examination of academic literature on Buddhism in Indonesia by analyzing 30 sources—written in both Indonesian and English—published between 2015 and 2025. Utilizing a descriptive analytical approach, it conducts a literature review that engages these works in dialogue with one another to identify and address gaps in the field. The central question guiding this study is: what remains overlooked when scholars primarily interpret religion as a force of harmony and peace? The analysis reveals that framing religion solely as peaceful leads to three major oversights: (1) an emphasis on unity that ignores underlying conflicts; (2) a neglect of hegemonic power dynamics and forms of resistance; and (3) a focus on religious leaders at the expense of recognizing other actors involved in shaping religious identity. This research suggests that to fully grasp the complexity of religion—beyond its peaceful dimensions—scholars should incorporate perspectives from outside traditional Buddhist studies, as these can offer valuable insights into underexplored aspects of religious formation.